Spring Lawn Care

Even though the official start of Spring is a couple of weeks away, Spring gets going early here in Cypress. As such, now is the time to start getting your yard ready for the growing season. Within the next couple of weeks, your lawn is going to come out of dormancy. With a little attention now, you can help your lawn be healthy and green and free of common problems.

Weeds
The great news for homeowners in VOG is that our yards were planted with St. Augustine Grass. St Augustine is a highly territorial, highly invasive plant. That means that the winter weeds that appeared while your grass lay dormant will be easily choked out by your competitive St Augustine grass -- if you encourage your grass's growth!

You don't need to spend a ton of time pulling weeds or spraying them with weed killer, since most topical weed killer sprays will also kill your grass. The best defense is a good offense, and and in this instance, your offense is to feed your St Augustine.

Feeding
There are two ways to feed your grass. The first option is with a traditional, chemical fertilizer such as Scott's Weed and Feed. Again, the weed killing component is less important than the feeding component, as a well-fed and well-watered lawn will choke out the weeds. Mow your grass, and then spread fertilizer using a fertilizer spreader. Make sure your spreader settings matched those prescribed by your fertilizer, and follow the spreading instructions exactly. Spread too much, and you could burn your lawn. After spreading, you'll need to water your lawn thoroughly to dissolve the fertilizer into the soil. Fertilizers contain chemicals that are dangerous to humans and pets, so make sure to really soak your lawn after the initial watering.

The second option is to fertilize your lawn organically using all-natural fertilizers. This is desirable because it promotes healthy soil as much as it promotes healthy lawns. Healthy soil will encourage the presence of helpful insects and healthy plants, which in turn keeps harmful insects and common plant diseases away. Your lawn will also be free from the harmful chemicals used in fertilizers (including known carcinogens).

The best way to bring your lawn out of dormancy is to use an organic compost, such as a Leaf Mold compost. You can purchase this from a local organic gardening center or nursery. Spread the compost completely over your yard with a rake, and then thoroughly water the compost down so it blends into the soil.

You'll also want to use an organic fertilizer, such as Lady Bug or MicroLife fertilizers. These fertilizers contain many nutrients, minerals, and compounds designed to promote healthy soil. There's no worry about using too much as these fertilizers won't harm your lawn, your pets, or you!

Finally, a treatment of liquid seaweed and horticultural molasses spread on your lawn using a lawn sprayer will not only enrich and encourage your grass's root development, but it will act as a natural insect repellent.

Water
Of course, as important as it is to fertilize, your lawn needs water more than anything. You should water your lawn 2-3 times a week, and even more during the hot summer months. It's best to water your lawn early in the morning or in the evening, since most of the water spent during daytime watering is lost to evaporation.

One note: soil that has been fed and cared for organically typically retains more moisture. As such, you could save anywhere from 30-75% on your water bill.

The Time is Now
However you choose to take care of your lawn, the best time to get going is now. A healthy lawn will make your home -- and the neighborhood -- look great!